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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Maitreyi Anantharaman

Manager Rocco Baldelli #5 of the Minnesota Twins talks to home plate umpire Nick Mahrley #48 in the first inning at Target Field on September 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Crosswords

The Crossword, March 2: College Athletes

The cover of Rooting Interest, next to a jump ball in a WNBA game.

Women's Basketball

How Can You Not Be Romantic About Women’s Basketball? 

Harry Ford #5 of the Seattle Mariners raises the celebratory team trident after the game against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park on September 11, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Mariners won 7-6 in 12 innings.

The Crossword, Feb. 23: It’s An Art,  Not A Science (Themeless)

Megan Keller #5 (R) of Team United States celebrates scoring a goal with teammates Hannah Bilka #23 (C) and Hilary Knight #21 (L) in the first period during the Women's Preliminary Round Group A match between the United States and Czechia on Day minus one of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena on February 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

Olympics

Still Country For Old Women

Canada's #29 Marie-Philip Poulin reacts during the women's play-off semi-final ice hockey match between Canada and Switzerland at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 16, 2026.

Canada Needs Marie-Philip Poulin To Bail Them Out One More Time

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JANUARY 7: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dives for a loose ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center on January 7, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The Crossword, Feb. 16: Swish

Laila Edwards #10 of Team United States celebrate her first goal with Hilary Knight #21 during the Women's Ice Hockey - Group A match between Team Canada and Team United States on day four of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

Team USA’s Speedy Children Delivered A Beatdown Of Canada